Creos network tariff and reference power level in Luxembourg 2026: complete guide
Since 1 January 2025, the « network charges » portion of your Luxembourg electricity bill has undergone a deep structural change. Instead of a simple per-kWh tariff, you now pay a monthly fixed charge linked to your reference power level (Pref) — independent of your supplier — plus a volumetric charge and an excess power surcharge. Understanding this mechanism is essential: the Pref assigned to you by Creos can represent a difference of several tens of euros per month on your bill. This guide explains everything, with official 2026 figures.
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Compare electricity offers →1. Creos: role and place in your bill
Creos Luxembourg S.A. is Luxembourg’s electricity distribution network operator. Its role is to transport electricity from production sites (or European interconnections) to the sockets of every home and business. Creos is separate from your electricity supplier: it is a public service infrastructure, regulated and approved by the Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation (ILR).
In practice, when you open your electricity bill, you see a « network charges » or « network usage tariff » line. This amount goes entirely to Creos, regardless of which supplier you have chosen. Switching supplier does not change your network charges — they are the same for all consumers connected to the same network category.
| Bill component | Who sets it? | Can be changed by switching supplier? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy price | Your supplier (free market) | ✓ Yes |
| Network charges (Creos tariff) | Creos, approved by the ILR | ✗ No — identical across all suppliers |
| Taxes (compensation mechanism, consumption tax) | ILR / Luxembourg Government | ✗ No — set by law |
| VAT (8%) | Luxembourg Government | ✗ No |
Source: ILR — Network usage tariffs · Creos Luxembourg S.A.
This article deals exclusively with the low-voltage (LV) network (connection ≤ 50A, subscribed power < 35 kVA), which covers the vast majority of Luxembourg households. The LV network is the one relevant to residential consumers and small businesses.
2. The LV network tariff structure since 2025
Before 1 January 2025, LV network charges were simple: a single per-kWh price plus a fixed access charge. Since that date, the structure has been deeply reformed by the ILR and network operators to better reflect the real costs of infrastructure usage.
The new structure now distinguishes three elements in network charges:
This is the central innovation of the reform. Its amount depends on your reference power category (Pref), automatically assigned by Creos based on your consumption history. It is independent of the volume of electricity consumed.
Applied to all electricity drawn from the grid. It is the same regardless of your reference power category. In 2026: €0.0510/kWh (excl. VAT).
Applied in addition to the volumetric charge on kWh consumed when your 15-minute power demand exceeds your reference power level. In 2026: €0.0765/kWh of excess (excl. VAT).
In addition to these three elements: a metering charge covers the rental of the smart meter and data management (€5.72/month for 40A, €8.69/month for 50–63A, €29.60/month for 80A+). For customers without a communicating meter (analogue), a simplified flat rate of €0.0562/kWh applies instead of the full new structure.
This reform only applies to customers equipped with a communicating smart meter. Without one, you remain on the simplified legacy tariff (€0.0562/kWh in 2026). Check your bill: since 2025, your reference power category should appear on it if you are concerned. More info: smart meter Luxembourg →
3. Reference power level categories
The reference power level (Pref) is at the heart of the new tariff system. It expresses, in kilowatts (kW), the maximum 15-minute power demand that Creos considers your « normal » usage over the past 12 months. This is the basis for calculating your monthly fixed charge.
To give an indication of the actual distribution: among Switchr users who used our energy comparator, approximately 55% fall under the 3 kW subscription (standard household), 33% under 7 kW (house with heat pump or EV charger), 9% under 12 kW (multi-appliance setups) and 3% under 17 kW (high-intensity cases).
| Pref (kW) | Fixed charge (€/month, excl. VAT) | Fixed charge (€/year, excl. VAT) | Typical profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | €7.42 | €89.04 | Standard apartment or house, no high-power equipment |
| 7 kW | €12.84 | €154.08 | House with slow EV charger or moderate heat pump |
| 12 kW | €19.61 | €235.32 | House with 11 kW EV charger or heat pump + simultaneous appliances |
| 17 kW | €26.39 | €316.68 | Home with several simultaneous high-power uses |
| 27 kW | €39.94 | €479.28 | Intensive consumption, partial professional use |
| 43 kW | €61.62 | €739.44 | SME / retail business |
| 70 / 100 / 150 / 200 kW | €98.20 / 138.85 / 206.60 / 274.35 | — | Large consumers / existing contracts |
Source: Network tariffs and regulated taxes (Enovos / ILR) — valid from 1 January 2026 · Creos — LV tariff structure · All amounts excl. VAT (8%). These tariffs are identical for all suppliers connected to the Creos network.
Household in category 3 kW → fixed charge: €7.42/month excl. VAT (€8.01 incl. VAT)
Household in category 7 kW → fixed charge: €12.84/month excl. VAT (€13.87 incl. VAT)
Household in category 12 kW → fixed charge: €19.61/month excl. VAT (€21.18 incl. VAT)
Difference between 3 kW and 7 kW: ~€65/year incl. VAT
Difference between 3 kW and 12 kW: ~€146/year incl. VAT
The metering charge (€5.72/month for 40A connection) is not included above. The volumetric charge (€0.0510/kWh) and excess surcharge (€0.0765/kWh where applicable) are added on top.
For a standard residential household without high-power equipment, the 3 kW category is the norm: it covers the vast majority of Luxembourg apartments and houses. Only properties with an EV charger, heat pump, sauna, pool, or several simultaneously used high-consumption appliances are likely to be placed in a higher category.
4. Official 2026 network tariff figures — full table
| Component | 2026 amount (excl. VAT) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed charge — 3 kW | €7.42/month | Per supply point, by Pref category |
| Fixed charge — 7 kW | €12.84/month | Per supply point, by Pref category |
| Fixed charge — 12 kW | €19.61/month | Per supply point, by Pref category |
| Fixed charge — 17 kW | €26.39/month | Per supply point, by Pref category |
| Volumetric charge | €0.0510/kWh | All electricity drawn from the grid |
| Excess surcharge | €0.0765/kWh | Volume exceeding Pref (15-min interval) |
| Night excess surcharge (storage heaters) | €0.0076/kWh | Night excess 22:00–06:00, storage heaters only |
| Metering charge — 40A | €5.72/month | Smart meter rental + data management |
| Metering charge — 50–63A | €8.69/month | Smart meter rental + data management |
| Analogue meter (flat rate) | €0.0562/kWh | For customers without communicating smart meter |
| Compensation mechanism (cat. A, ≤ 25,000 kWh/year) | −0.10 ct/kWh | Automatic reduction in 2026 |
| Electricity consumption tax (cat. A) | 0.10 ct/kWh | Annual tax set by budget law |
Source: Network tariffs and regulated taxes — valid from 1 January 2026 (Enovos / ILR) · All amounts excl. VAT (8%). These tariffs apply from 1 January 2026 and include the effect of the state subsidy on network charges.
These tariffs are identical for all electricity suppliers in Luxembourg. Whether you are with Enovos, Sudstroum, SUDénergie, Energy Revolt, NordEnergie or Steinergy, the network charges on your bill are exactly the same. Only the energy component (the kWh price charged by your supplier) differs between offers. To optimise that component, compare offers on our comparator →
5. How Creos calculates your reference power level
Pref assignment is an automatic annual process, based on analysis of your 15-minute load curves over the past 12 months. Creos selects the category that minimises your total network cost — not necessarily the lowest, because a Pref that is too low would generate frequent excess surcharges that could cost more than the fixed charge of a higher category.
A customer with occasional consumption spikes (e.g. EV charger used sporadically):
→ Category 3 kW: fixed charge €89.04/year + frequent excess surcharges at €0.0765/kWh = high total cost
→ Category 7 kW: fixed charge €154.08/year + near-zero excess = lower total cost
Creos automatically assigns category 7 kW — the financial optimum for this profile.
Source: Creos — LV tariff structure guide, December 2025
Your reference power category is shown on your electricity bill since 2025. You can also check it on your customer portal (MyEnovos, my.creos.net). The MyCreos simulator lets you test the impact of adding an EV or heat pump on your future Pref.
6. The excess surcharge: understanding and avoiding it
The excess surcharge is the most important component to keep under control. It applies to each kWh consumed during a 15-minute interval in which your instantaneous power demand exceeded your reference power level. At €0.0765/kWh additional, this can quickly represent a significant cost.
Scenario with excess charges
- EV charging: 11 kW for 4 hours = 44 kWh
- Excess: 11 − 3 = 8 kW × 4h = 32 kWh in excess
- Excess cost: 32 × €0.0765 = €2.45 for a single charge
- Over 30 charges/month: ~€73 in excess charges
- Monthly network bill far exceeds a 7 kW Pref
Scenario without excess
- EV charging: 7 kW for ~6 hours = 42 kWh
- Excess: 0 kWh (7 kW = Pref)
- Fixed charge: €12.84/month
- Same energy recharged (slightly longer time)
- No excess surcharge whatsoever
Even a single 15-minute excess spike can push your Pref up at the next annual recalculation. If you plan a temporarily power-hungry setup (construction work, an event), anticipate the impact on your load curves. Conversely, if you succeed in eliminating spikes over a year, your Pref will be recalculated downward automatically — a benefit reflected the following year.
7. The 2026 state subsidy on network charges
In 2026, the Luxembourg government decided to absorb a substantial portion of electricity network usage costs via a €150 million envelope. This translated into an average reduction of approximately −3.9 ct/kWh on network charges for consumers connected to the low-voltage network.
In practice, the official tariffs published from 1 January 2026 already incorporate this subsidy: the figures in the table above (€0.0510/kWh volumetric charge, fixed charges by category) are the net tariffs after the state contribution. No action is required from you.
This subsidy is temporary. It is explicitly presented as a one-year measure for 2026. Beyond that, the government must decide whether to renew, modify or remove the contribution. Network tariffs for subsequent years could therefore differ significantly if the subsidy is not renewed. Factor this into your long-term projections for energy-intensive equipment investments.
8. How to optimise your reference power level
Do not run the washing machine, oven, EV charger and heat pump at the same time. Spread their use over time. A single 15-minute peak can influence your annual Pref.
Switching from 11 kW to 7 kW often keeps you in the 7 kW Pref instead of 12 kW. Annual fixed charge difference: ~€81/year. Configurable directly from the charger or your vehicle’s app.
Shifting washing machines, dryers and dishwashers to after 22:00 or midday at weekends reduces peaks during busy morning and evening hours. Double benefit: fewer excess charges and potentially a reduced energy tariff if your contract includes a dual rate.
The my.creos.net portal provides a simulator that lets you visualise your real load curves, identify your peaks and test the impact of new equipment (EV, heat pump) on your future Pref. The essential tool before any major investment.
Without a communicating Smart Meter, you do not benefit from the new optimised tariff structure (you stay on the €0.0562/kWh flat rate) and cannot consult your load curves. If you do not yet have one, request priority deployment from Creos.
An important exception for customers with storage electric heaters with a calendar or receiver: the overnight excess surcharge (22:00–06:00) is reduced to €0.0076/kWh instead of €0.0765/kWh. These customers are « constrained » to consume heavily at night — the tariff accounts for this. If you have this type of heating, verify that your setup is correctly recognised by Creos.
Frequently asked questions about the Creos network tariff
What reference power level are most Luxembourg households assigned?
The vast majority of standard residential households are assigned the 3 kW category — the lowest. It applies to homes without any particular high-power equipment: apartments and houses without an EV charger or heat pump, with standard household appliance use. The associated fixed charge is €7.42/month (excl. VAT) in 2026, or €8.01 incl. VAT.
Is the reference power level the same as the connection power or subscribed power?
No, these are three different concepts. Connection power is the maximum power physically available at your supply point (determined by your connection intensity: 40A, 50A, etc.). Subscribed power is what is specified in your contract. The reference power level (Pref) is a concept specific to the new ILR network tariff: it is calculated automatically by Creos based on your actual 15-minute consumption over 12 months, and is used solely to calculate the fixed charge and excess surcharge.
Are network charges the same with all electricity suppliers?
Yes, absolutely. Network usage tariffs are set by the ILR and are identical for all electricity suppliers connected to the Creos network — Enovos, Sudstroum, SUDénergie, Energy Revolt, NordEnergie, Steinergy. Only the energy price (the supplier component) varies between operators.
Can my reference power level go down if I change my habits?
Yes. The Pref is recalculated annually based on the past 12 months of consumption. If you have successfully eliminated your power peaks (e.g. by reducing EV charging power or better scheduling your appliances), your Pref will be recalculated downward at the next annual review. The benefit is automatic and reflected in your monthly fixed charge the following year.
Do the 2026 network tariffs include the state subsidy?
Yes. The published amounts (fixed charges, volumetric, excess) for 2026 already incorporate the state contribution to network charges (€150 million envelope). No action is required from you. However, these tariffs are provisional in the sense that the state subsidy is presented as a 2026-only measure — future tariffs could differ if the subsidy is not renewed.
How do I find my current reference power level?
Since 2025, your reference power category is shown on your electricity bill (for monthly Pay-as-you-go invoices and annual settlement bills). It is also visible in your customer portal — MyEnovos (my.enovos.lu), MyEnovos app, or MyCreos portal (my.creos.net) depending on your supplier. If you cannot find it, contact your supplier or Creos directly.